JCB World Logistics, which has its world headquarters in Rocester, took over the former Blue Planet warehouse in Newcastle-under-Lyme in July last year - and since then, 80 new warehouse and office staff have been recruited, along with 20 new drivers.

And job figures are expected to more than triple in the next two years as the warehouse becomes fully operational.

The JCB world HQ in Rocester, Staffordshire Credit: Rui Vieira/PA

JCB chief executive Graeme Macdonald today unveiled a plaque marking the official opening of the warehouse.

Speaking afterwards, he said:

Staffordshire is where JCB’s business started almost 70 years ago and Staffordshire is where our heart is, so I’m delighted that the opening of JCB World Logistics is bringing more employment opportunities to the county.